Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Ivory.
Bella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I begin my journey in the fashion industry as a child model and by the time I was in Jr. High, I knew that I wanted to become a fashion designer.
My Dad was a very talented sketch artist and loved playing around on his guitar. He was a natural artist and a self-taught guitar player whose creative talents I greatly admired. While in grade school my art teachers noticed that I had inherited my dad’s artistic qualities and since as early I can remember I have found solace in art. Later in college, I obtained degree’s in Art History and Fashion Design.
Early on, prior to enrolling at FIDM in Los Angeles, I knew that I wanted to focus on denim design. During my second quarter at FIDM, my business of fashion instructor introduced me to Daniella Clarke, Founder and Creative director of Frankie B Jeans. That introduction soon afterwards became an internship opportunity that lasted until I completed the Professional Designate Fashion Design Program and opened the door for me to begin my design career as an Associate Designer with one the most well-known fashion companies in Los Angeles.
While working as a denim designer I continued to design formal gowns for prom season and red-carpet events. in 2015, I was invited to show my own collection for the first time at New York Fashion Week, and on September 11, 2015 I debuted my first Ivory Couture Clothing Co. collection and have dedicated my complete attention to growing my brand since. I am very blessed to have been afforded the opportunities that I have been given. I must say, having my own fashion company has its trials. As with any small business it isn’t rainbows and lollipops everyday but, I am very happy with my success thus far and excited about what the future holds for my brand.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
OH my, I can’t say that it has been a smooth road but an everyday learning experience. For me, my struggle has been a financial struggle only because I have solely invested in my brand. Recently I have started entertaining the option of interested investment firms but I am very protective over my brand and would rather continue on running things as sole owner.
Please tell us about Ivory Couture Clothing.
Ivory Couture Clothing Co. is a brand that houses Ivory Couture Premium Denim and B. Ivory Atelier.
The Premium Denim collection is Inspired by Southern California, developed and made of sustainable fabrications right here in the USA. Our jeans are processed in eco-friendly ozone washes that are free of chemical, manufactured in humane settings, and will soon begin a denim buyback program that allows our customers to send back their jeans that they no longer want for a 10% discount on their next jean purchase for Ivory Couture. During Summer 2018, we are also launching a denim repair service that allows our customers a one-year warranty on their jeans purchased online or during seasonal pop up shops. The repair warranty will cover also rivet, buttons, and threads for the life of the jeans.
B. Ivory Atelier was birthed out my passion for feminine vintage attire, admiration of historic French fashion houses, and wonderment for fine arts, our brand is dedicated to creating opulently fitted luxury apparel which celebrates every woman’s valiant spirit brilliantly and BOLDLY!
Officially launching at New York Fashion Week S|S 2015, my brand continues to evolve and is committed to creating quality made women’s apparel that compliments femininity, ultimately establishing itself as an American Made brand synonymous with luxury women’s apparel.
What makes me most proud as a company is the fact that I am able to stay true to what inspires me and those inspirations allows me to create beautiful garments that consumers just get. My denim brand is a project of love for all thing that are naturally beautiful especially the earth. God has created such a marvelous planet for us to call home and taking steps to preserve it is everyone’s responsibility. I have a beaming 7-year-old son who is very interested in nature and has a very innocent love for trees, beautiful natural rock formations, and wild life. If we don’t take time to make changes to preserve those things he may not be able to share all of the wonders of nature that we experience with his children. The denim industry is taking enormous steps make the process of making jeans eco-friendlier and I am so proud that I am dedicated to doing my part as an emerging fashion company.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory as a child was finding an escape in drawing. I would spend my weekends sketching for hours instead of actually going out to play. When I turned 11 I remember seeing a Madonna music video and falling in love with everything the artist wore. I could never find anything close to what Madonna wore in my closet so I begin experimenting but cutting old skirts, dresses and tops then hand sew things together. LOL! Growing up in the Mid-West wasn’t so fashion forward, but I figured it out the best way I could…To create it if I couldn’t buy it.
Pricing:
- Premium Denim Pricing: $148 – up ( Retail)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1933 Broadway
Los Angeles, CA. 90007 - Website: https://www.ivorycoutureclothingco.com
- Phone: 310.283.9898
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivorycouturedenim/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ivorycouturedenim/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivorycouture
Image Credit:
Tammy Novac
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